Group aims to connect seniors to broadband

Just 27 percent of Iowans age 70 and older subscribe to high-speed Internet, and nearly half of the residents in that age group don't own computers, according to a new report out of Connect Iowa.

Those “troublesome” statistics have Connect Iowa - a non-profit subsidiary of Connection Nation, which promotes broadband access, adoption and use - creating partnerships with communities to “bridge the technology ‘gray gap' in Iowa.”

The goal is to provide all of the state's seniors with access to the “life-enhancing and lifesaving applications and services made possible by a home broadband subscription,” according to a release.

“The main concern is just the fact that there is a wealth of information and activities and ease of life and quality of life that you can achieve,” said Amy Kuhlers, state program manager for Connect Iowa. “There are so many applications they could be tapping into that I don't think a lot of the population is familiar with.”

High-speed Internet, Kuhlers said, is becoming increasingly important for fast and easy access to government services, health care resources, banking tools, shopping options and community. About 72 percent of Iowans ages 18 to 54 subscribe to home broadband service, as do 63 percent of Iowans age 55 to 69, according to the report.

The low numbers in the 70-plus age range are concerning because Iowa has the sixth-largest share of residents over 70 in the nation, according to Connect Iowa.

“Our research showed us that the biggest reason they're not adapting is they just don't see the relevance,” Kuhlers said.

The goal is to find the gaps and fill them, she said, because “broadband offers Iowa's senior citizens new power and independence” and could help them live longer and healthier lives.